Minister for Health James Reilly said today he will bring the report of the review group on the national children’s hospital to Government shortly.
The Minister was presented with the report by group chairman Dr Frank Dolphin and the members of the group at Leinster House today.
"The National Children's Hospital is a strategic project for our health services and for this country," Dr Reilly said. "What greater investment in our nation's future then in the wellbeing of our children. It is desperately needed for sick children and their families.
"I am determined to deliver a world class hospital for the children of Ireland providing the highest quality treatment they deserve.
The group was established by the Minister following the refusal by An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for the application on the site of the Mater.
It was initially tasked with reporting within 56 days. This was extended by a further 14 days given the workload of the group and the number of submissions received. The group received over 30 site offers and met 21 groups and representative and professional bodies.
"Within our terms of reference our role was not to select a site; that is a matter for the Minister and the Government," Dr Dolphin said. "With the combined clinical, technical, planning and managerial expertise on the group, the options available have been thoroughly examined within our terms of reference.
"We recognise that this is a hugely important decision and there is a once in a generation opportunity to get it right."
